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Building history from the ground up, in the voices of those who have experienced it.
A People’s History of the Inland Empire is a digital, community-based archive. We focus on stories of working people, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals in Riverside and San Bernardino whose experiences have often been under-represented in traditional institutional archives. We share the oral histories, photographs, and other materials in the archive through community events, exhibitions, lesson plans, and newly created artworks. We think of the archive as living and growing, but depend on you to keep it fresh. Reach out to partner, share ideas and stories, or let us know what or who you would like to see represented.
The Mapping Platform
We also map information about people, places, and historical events in the I.E. using this archive and other sources. This helps us understand how racialized landscapes have been literally and metaphorically constructed in our region. We have not found the famous “redlining” maps for the I.E. that banks used beginning in the late 1930s to determine investment risks of neighborhoods based on the race, ethnicity, and political activities of residents. But we know these characteristics played a large part in shaping investments in the region. So we set out to learn more, to map stories of disinvestment as well as those of joy, creative resistance, and resilience--stories of thriving and striving.
What makes A People’s History different?
Our archive is "post-custodial," meaning it is digital so that the originals can stay within the community and not in a building faraway from families who might want them at hand. What you see here are materials that are often tucked away in closets, attics, and trunks, as part of family memorabilia. which have larger historical value too. Archives are useful for anyone learning about history, from family to local to world history. They offer proof of our existence well beyond the time we stay within living memory.
How can I use these materials?
A People’s History is purely nonprofit and educational, aimed to be a resource for researchers, students, teachers, and community members and advocates. Portions of the archive may be used for K-12 lesson plans, educational purposes (like school projects), and by researchers wanting to know more about our communities. You can dive in by going to “Explore the Archive,” view our individual collections, use the search bar, or explore our collection highlights. If you are interested in using any of our materials that are in copyright or for any for-profit purposes just contact us!
How can I get involved?
Did you see an image that you can identify? A person in a class photo who you are related to? Did you find a mistake we made (oops)? Contact us to share your stories, correct errors we have made in the record, or take down material representing you or your family that you believe should remain private. peopleshistoryie@gmail.com @peopleshistoryie
